This is the rating and price for 19Th C. African Winiama Or Nunuma Wood Monkey Mask

Description : West Africa, Burkina Faso, Winiama or Nunuma peoples, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A hand-carved mask that represents a stylized monkey with an oblong face bearing slightly raised and rounded eyes within spirals, a wedge shaped nose, a jutting circular mouth, and recessed jagged teeth. This mask is a combination of anthropomorphic and simian qualities - the overhanging ridged forehead contains petite rounded ear tabs, and the geometrical marks on the cheek and chin are ritualistic scarification. The verso has a deep concavity for wearing, the perimeter pierced for suspension cords or attaching to a larger costume, and a braided vegetable fiber cord encircles the rim. Masks represent the spirits of ancestors and the natural world - by carving a physical visage, they can commune with and seek guidance from ancestors to ensure successful harvests, they are typically kept on altars when not in use. Dancers dressed as monkeys perform energetically, mimicking their audience as entertainment. Size: 7 L x 4 W x 14 H (17.8 cm x 10.2 cm x 35.6 cm), 19 H (48.3 cm) on included custom stand. Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection, ex-Edwin and Cherie Silver collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, from the 1990s All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #172632
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Estimate (low-high) : 2500 USD-3750 USD It's free to register now to view!

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